Pain as the Great Motivator

We all settle into our daily habits and rituals. Life is full, there is only so much time, and we naturally gravitate toward what is familiar.

And this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Habits are useful. They conserve energy. We NEED things we don't have to think about all the time.

The caveat is when our daily habits start to wear on us.

Sitting is an easy example. We sit for work, in the car, at meals, on the couch, and then wonder why we feel stiff or uncomfortable. Often, we don't change anything until the body starts asking for our attention.

And sometimes that message is pain.

Especially the pain that seems to come "out of nowhere."

I was fine, and then…

Of course, pain is complex and can have many causes, but it can also be an invitation to pay attention. What has been happening in your body? What has become repetitive? What might need more movement, more rest, more variety, or simply something different?

The thing is, we don't have to wait until we are in pain to make a change.

It's just what many of us do.

As you know, I'm a movement and neuro coach, so movement and the nervous system are the lens I often speak through. But there are so many components to feeling good in our bodies.

Instead of trying to change everything at once, pick one thing and commit to it long enough to notice a difference.

A few simple places to start:

• Spend 5-10 minutes breathing and moving in the morning.
• Get outside and let your eyes take in natural morning light.
• Take a 10-minute walk after dinner.
• Lie flat on the floor and simply breathe for a few minutes.
• If you spend a lot of time on screens, regularly look away and find something far in the distance. Let your eyes soften, see long, and relax for 20 seconds.

None of these things are particularly intense.

That's the point.

Consistency beats intensity.

There is only so long we can stay super intense about anything. It's the simple things we return to again and again that have the potential to sustain us over time.

So perhaps don't wait for your body to yell before you listen.

Move a little. Breathe. Look far away. Go outside. Walk after dinner.

Choose one small thing and do it consistently.

With love,

Lila